Africa policy unveiled, By U.S. News-Published: June 14, 2012 at 11:27 AM

President Barack Obama meets with (l-r) Presidents Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger, Boni Yayi of Benin, Alpha Conde of Guinea, and Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire, in the Cabinet Room of the White House, in Washington, Friday, July 29, 2011. UPI/Martin H. Simon/Pool

WASHINGTON, June 14 (UPI) — A new U.S. policy on Africa focuses on strengthening democratic institutions, spurring economic growth, trade and investment, the White House said Thursday.

The strategy builds on accomplishments of U.S.-Africa policy that helped fortify democracy, promote regional peace and security and engage with young African leaders, as well as promote development, trade and investment, the White House said in a fact sheet.

The new strategy commits the United States to working to advance democracy by strengthening institutions at all levels of government, supporting more open and accountable governance across Africa, promoting human rights and the rule of law, and challenging leaders whose actions threaten the democratic processes, the White House said.

The United States will work to promote economic growth, including through increased trade and investment in sub-Saharan Africa, the White House said. The United States also will encourage an environment conducive to trade and investment, an improved economic governance and an expansion of Africa’s capacity to access and benefit from global markets.

The new policy also encourages U.S. companies to trade with and invest in Africa.

Under the new strategy, the United States will deepen its security partnership with African countries and regional organizations to help meet security needs.

“Only Africa’s governments and people can sustainably resolve the security challenges and internal divisions that have plagued the continent, but the United States can make a positive difference,” the White House said in its statement.

Finally, the United States will continue working to focus on sustainable development outcomes and the new operational model for U.S. development assistance outlined in the 2010 Presidential Policy on Global Development.